There’s only one place that everyone is talking about right now, and it’s the land of the rising sun!
International visitors to Japan reached a record high of 3.29 million in July, which is 10% higher than in the same month of 2019.
What’s particularly impressive, though, is that more than a quarter of a million of those travelers were visitors from the U.S., which is a whopping 60.1% increase in American visitor numbers compared to 2019.
But where are all those visitors going?
Tokyo
It should go without saying that Tokyo is by far the most popular destination in Japan right now.
Its 2 airports, Narita and Haneda, handle almost 50% of all international flights into the country.
Japan is my favorite destination in the world and the one place I will happily return to again and again.
Buzzing streets, cultural back alleys, rich history, and modern innovation—there is a face of Tokyo for everyone.
Some of my highlights for popular things to do in Tokyo include shopping in Harajuku, visiting the Senso-ji temple, and enjoying the spectacular views from the top of the Tokyo Tower.
Tickets for the Tokyo Tower are cheaper if you book them in advance, costing 2,800 yen ($20) to go to the top deck. You can get cheaper main deck tickets for 1,200 yen ($8.20) but the views from the top deck are far superior!
If you need a sensory escape from Tokyo’s relentless neon jungle, then I also recommend visiting the Imperial Palace gardens.
A tranquil getaway in the heart of the city, the gardens offer seasonal flowers and original moats, walls, entrance gates. They are balanced, tranquil, and beautiful!
Osaka
Osaka is very different from Tokyo with a very different vibe.
It is the second largest city after Tokyo, but much more laid back and with more of a focus on fun!
Japanese people travel to Osaka to let their hair down, and this is reflected across the city, which is best known for its nightlife and hearty street food.
Head straight to the Dotonbori district near Namba Station if its street food you’re looking for. This neon lit area will stimulate all your senses, but especially your taste buds.
If you want to try Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus balls) then this is the best place to do it.
This is also where you can join every other tourist in Japan and snap your photo with the famous Osaka running man.
People often dismiss Osaka as being all fun and no substance, but that’s just not true. You’ll find fascinating history and culture here too.
Visit Osaka’s famous castle or one of my favorite lesser-known Japanese temples.
The Tuyunoten Shrine is 1,300 years old and tells the story of Japan’s Romeo and Juliet, the hero Tokubei and the heroin Ohatsu who commit double suicide to prove their true love.
There were very few tourists here, but it was a beautiful shrine and the only place I have seen pink torii gates in Osaka.
Kyoto
If you want to embrace traditional Japan, then Kyoto is the best city to visit.
Kyoto has more than 2000 temples and shrines spread throughout the city, and while some of these can be crowded to the point of discomfort, if you head off the beaten track, you’ll find dozens of smaller but equally fascinating temples that are rarely visited by tourists.
The Fushimi Inari shrine is the most famous in Kyoto and a must-visit spot, especially for first-time visitors to the city.
Here, you will find the thousands of vermilion torii gates, which are an iconic symbol of the city.
My top tips for seeing this without the crowds are to arrive early and wear your walking shoes!
The gates wind their way up the mountain, and the further you walk, the thinner the crowds will be. By following both of these tips, we got sections of gates all to ourselves.
Nagoya
Nagoya was bombed heavily during WWII, which means that the vast majority of the city had to be rebuilt, making it a sleek and modern metropolis.
That doesn’t mean it’s completely devoid of history. Travelers can visit Nagoya Castle which is a partly reconstructed 1612 royal home and an incredibly impressive building.
You can go inside and find Edo-era artifacts displayed.
However, one of the very best things to do in Nagoya is to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
History meets technology here, and if you’re interested in Japan’s technological development, then there’s no better place to be. Of course, as the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to all things Toyota and the infamous Toyota ‘Partner Robot’ performs here daily.
I recommend you book tickets in advance if you want to visit the museum, which you can buy here. Entrance costs 1,000 yen ($6.90) per person.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island and is considered the ‘gateway’ to Japan because it is the closest city to mainland Asia.
But that’s not the reason people choose to visit Fukuoka!
Fukuoka is a popular destination because it has a little bit of something for everyone. Think ancient temples, beautiful beaches and modern shopping malls.
For history and culture visit the Hakata district of the city. Here you’ll find the Tōchō-ji Temple which is home to a 10m wooden Buddha and considered the cultural heart of the city. Entrance is free of charge.
In the same district, you’ll also find the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. The museum is made up of of three buildings: the Exhibition Building, the Machiya Building, and the Souvenir Shop. All are worth visiting!
As an added bonus, admission costs just 200 yen ($1.38) per person.
Sapporo
Sapporo sits on the island of Hokkaido, a mountainous island to the north of the country. It is a wonderful juxtaposition of urban excitement and calm, natural beauty.
Many people visit Sapporo for its mountains, especially in the winter months, when skiing is wildly popular. The 1972 Winter Olympics were hosted in Sapporo, and many of the jumps and hills created for the event are still standing.
Visiting Sapporo in the winter is still on my bucketlist, to visit the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and see its incredible large snow sculptures.
But if you’re more of a city slicker, then don’t worry: you’ll find all of the attractions that you’d expect from Japan’s larger cities here too.
Highlights of exploring Sapporo include the Sapporo beer museum, Odori Park, and viewing the city from the JR Tower Observation Deck.
As an added bonus, Sapporo is a wonderfully walkable city. You can explore its main tourist attractions without needing to take public transportation.
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